Stamping out real crime

Other bloggers have been diving in and digging on the issue of questionable loans to Air America in it's infancy, and I leave it to them. They're doing good work and continue finding interesting tidbits. I'll leave the in-depth analysis to them and instead focus on a quick drive-by.

Some folks have wanted to see New York AG Elliot Spitzer pick up the torch and start investigating the 'transfer' of funds from the Gloria Wise Boys & Girls Club to Air America. Well, yesterday the NY Post reported that Spitzer has finally gotten around to it:

State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer yesterday opened an investigation into the Bronx social-services agency that made $875,000 in bizarre loans to Air America radio, The Post has learned.

Great! But why did it take so long?

Well, if this AP report (also from yesterday) is to be believed, Spitzer has been busy stamping out real crime in the heart of New York City:

A New York City radio station has agreed to stop its "Smackfest" promotion, in which women slap each other for prizes, under a $240,000 settlement announced Monday, said state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. WQHT Hot 97's parent company, Emmis Communications, agreed to pay a settlement equal to the maximum fine it faced, Spitzer said.

Spitzer and the state Athletic Commission stated that the hip-hop and rhythm and blues station held 24 "Smackfest" contests from April 2004 to January 2005. Young women took turns "violently slapping" each other for concert tickets and as much as $5,000 in cash, Spitzer said.

Images of the slapping then ran on the station's Web site.

Spitzer investigated the case as a potential violation of state law regarding the promotion of a combative sport.

I imagine Sim sleeps soundly at night knowing that the State is intent on pursuing the worst of the worst in it's efforts to keep New Yorkers safe.